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Kitty Brucknell's parents have revealed that their daughter has been having a tough time on The X Factor, following reports of bullying. Kitty today said she nearly quit the show after being picked on by fellow contestants, but vowed to stay on to beat the bullies.

She said: “I have considered quitting X Factor but that would be giving in to the bullies and I want to stand up to them."

Speaking to the Gloucestershire Echo, mum Mary explained: "It has been tough for her. She has had to put up with an awful lot and, of course, all these people want to win, so it’s very competitive.

“The pressure is incredibly high and it’s full-on with rehearsals every day. But she has the strength of character to get through the next round. She is following her dream and we’re really proud of her.”

And following reports of Kitty's apparent past as a stripper and £500-a-night lapdancer, Kitty's parents admitted it was hard going reading all of the stories.

Mary explained: “It has been tough to read some of the things which have been written about Kitty in the press, but you have to accept that people will write what they want whether it’s true or not."